Halwa, Vada And Filter Coffee

As I write this, Sabhas in Chennai are bustling with artists and rasikas, that belt out Carnatic

music.

Nestled in the strategic spots these Sabhas also feature a host of canteens within their premises, that happen to be

more than just a dining destination.

It is that time of the year when the festivities allow you to go overboard on your binging spree.

Hop on to any of these random Sabhas and you are equally spoilt for choice, both for music

and food.

I barged into the Sabha and allowed my aural senses to be treated to soft carnatic music. I didn't bother about the raga in which the music was presented. Well it could have been a Thodi or a

Bhairavi, I was blissfully oblivious about it, enjoyed the music applauded with as many 'aahaas' and 'ohos'!!

Now was the 'piece- de- resistance' moment. That 'aha' moment which I discerned for greedily.. I was

seated in the dining arena of Sabha's canteen, where an authentic spread of traditional dishes

invited me to soothe my appetite.

I ordered my favourite food even before the waiter rattled off the menu. It was Vazhappoo vadai

( vadas made out of plantain flower) , Ashoka halwa ( halwa made from moong dal) and hot

filter coffee.

The platter was placed on my table. Vazhappoo Vadas were crisp and hot, bathed in the golden crust on its exterior. They were soft in the interiors. One bite into the vada and it gave out a crunchy noise with the interruption of plaintain florets and green chilli! I wolfed it down in one go.

My senses sounded 'aahaaa' on its crispy layer.

And the halwa drenched in hot ghee just melted in my mouth. Now it was time to relish and say

'ho ho ho'.

I sipped into the filter coffee and it felt like a rendezvous with heaven.

So the next time you are in Chennai during December, enjoy the soft rustles of breeze on a weekend

evening and hop on to a Sabha for a delectable spread of Vazhappoo vada, Ashoka halwa and

filter coffee.

It's a deadly combination leaving you asking for more. You can pamper your soul and tummy for yummy food

heartfelt divine music!!

After all, what is life, without 2 morsels of your favorite food!!